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A small space can still make a perfect home

Vicky Walker’s clever space-saving ideas have created a clutter-free home that’s full of character

When Vicky Walker viewed her Edwardian terraced cottage in Cheltenham in 2010, it was love at first sight. ‘It’s a tiny house but the location couldn’t have been better,’ says Vicky. ‘The cottage is tucked away down a quiet street but with the shops just a minute’s walk away. It’s perfect!’

Putting storage baskets on top of the kitchen cabinets has added storage space for less frequently used kitchen items and a set of wooden steps, bought at a car boot sale for £10, allows Vicky to access them easily

The tiny footprint of the cottage, just forty-five square metres, might have put most people off but Vicky was unfazed by it. ‘It’s a really unique house and I’d never seen anything quite like it. The house I’d moved from was also small so I’ve learnt to be creative with space. I was looking forward to the challenge,’ she recalls.

The cottage was in relatively good repair when Vicky moved in but the interior was tired and cold. ‘I replaced the old storage heaters with gas central heating, no mean feat as there was no gas supply to the house,’ she explains. ‘A few months without heating or hot water meant I really appreciated it when the work was complete.’

About Your Home Magazine

I know that November isn’t everyone’s favourite month, but I think there’s something rather cosy about coming home on a cold, dark night and curling up on the sofa in front of the fire. If you’re thinking of investing in a wood-burner to warm up your home this winter then turn to page 115, where we’ve got the low-down on the latest models and what you need to consider before you buy. Talking of making your home warm and toasty, do take a look at George Clarke’s column this month, where he shares his expert advice on insulating your home (p.111). Of course nothing beats, a tasty comforting supper on those chilly November nights – so do try our delicious recipe suggestions on page 100, packed with warming spices! I know many of you are keen to be braver when it comes to using pattern in your home, so on page 36 we show how to make it work for you, from balancing scale to creating the illusion of space and, of course, our pick of the latest designs for wallpapers and fabrics to inspire you. Many of us dream of living in a period property with gorgeous plasterwork and beautiful fireplaces, but in reality many of them have had their original features removed or damaged over the years. In this month’s home improvement feature, we take a look at what steps you need to take to restore your period home to its former glory and where to look for affordable, original materials (p.106). Happy decorating!